Service by Season: Winter – Lancaster, PA

Winter is rough on mechanical parts, which is part of why people have such a hard time with their cars in the winter. You can prevent a lot of problems by having your vehicle serviced in advance.

Stay on top of winter maintenance by having these parts of your vehicle serviced.

Replace or refill fluids.

Oil and the oil filter should be changed, in addition to engine coolant, or antifreeze, which keeps your engine running at a steady temperature. Make sure to check the wiper fluid too and replace it with a kind of fluid that’s resistant to freezing in cold temperatures.

Replace wiper blades.

Now that you have freeze-resistant wiper fluid, it’s good to make sure you can clear snow and ice off your windshield with brand-new wiper blades.

Correct any engine problems. There are problems in your engine you may not even know about. Before it gets too cold, have a professional inspect the minute details of your powertrain for any unnoticed flaws, or minor issues that could become a problem down the road. It’s a good idea to have your engine tuned at this point.

Ensure your heater and defroster are in good condition.

Heat is, of course, crucial to getting through the cold winter temperatures. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, the HVAC system also controls the defroster. Being able to defrost your windshield makes all the difference.

Inspect and/or replace your tires.

Some drivers choose to replace their all-season tires with a set of winter tires, though whether you feel that’s necessary is up to your personal judgment. However, even if you choose to keep your all-season tires, you should check tread depth to ensure your tires have good traction on slick roads.

Check your battery and charging system.

Cold temperatures lower the capability of your battery and charging system. If the battery is old or has a low capacity, there’s a good chance your vehicle may die or stall during freezing weather. Have your battery and its connections checked before you head into winter.

Pack an emergency kit.

Ultimately, you can’t avoid every problem. Sometimes you just get stranded. In those cases, it’s a good idea to keep a kit on-hand with things like water bottles, nonperishable food, blankets, a flashlight, and other items good to have in an emergency.

For the best service for your car this winter, give us a call at Lancaster Toyota. Schedule your service appointment today!